Ménière’s Disease

A Root Cause Apporoach to Lasting Relief

Schedule an Appointment

Consistent Outcomes for Ménière’s Disease


Upper cervical care has demonstrated unprecedented positive outcomes for people suffering from Ménière’s disease, providing relief from debilitating symptoms like vertigo, tinnitus, and dizziness. Dr. Michael Burcon, a renowned upper cervical chiropractor who has published extensively and lectured internationally at Ménière’s disease conferences, has helped to clarify the powerful results possible through upper cervical care.


In one published study, Dr. Burcon reported a 97% improvement in vertigo symptoms among 300 consecutive patients. Notably, all these patients had a history of whiplash injuries an average of 15 years prior to the onset of their Ménière’s disease symptoms. His findings set a clear precedent for the outcomes that can be achieved by addressing upper cervical misalignments.


At Cerebral Chiropractic Center, our precision approach allows us to deliver similarly consistent results for people with Ménière’s disease. By targeting the root cause of symptoms through advanced upper cervical care, we help patients regain their quality of life.


The Problems Behind Ménière’s Disease


While the exact cause of Ménière’s disease remains unclear, research suggests that upper cervical misalignments play a significant role. These misalignments disrupt critical functions in the body and contribute to issues tied to Ménière’s disease symptoms.


  1. Pressure on the Eustachian Tubes:
    Misalignments in the upper cervical spine can compress the Eustachian tubes, which regulate air pressure in the ear. This leads to improper pressure regulation, deterioration of the eardrum, and eventual hearing loss.
  2. Tension on Cranial Nerves:
    The brainstem and spinal cord are suspended by ligaments within the spinal canal. Upper cervical misalignments place tension on these ligaments, affecting cranial nerves responsible for balance and hearing.
  3. Diminished Brainstem Blood Flow:
    The vertebral arteries, which supply blood to the brainstem, can become compressed by upper cervical misalignments. Reduced blood flow contributes to balance problems and vertigo.
  4. Inflammation of the Upper Neck Joints:
    Whiplash injuries—strongly associated with Ménière’s disease—often inflame these joints, causing adhesions and nerve irritation. Symptoms may include neck pain, dizziness, headaches, and hearing loss.
  5. Turbulent Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF):
    The cerebrospinal fluid, which cushions and protects the brain and spinal cord, can become turbulent due to upper cervical misalignments. This irritates nerves responsible for balance and eye movements.
  6. Poor Immune Function:
    Nerves in the upper cervical spine influence immune responses in the inner ear. Misalignments can impair this function, leaving the ear vulnerable to infection and inflammation over time.


Precision Care: How Upper Cervical Care Helps Ménière’s Disease


At Cerebral Chiropractic, we specialize in addressing Ménière’s disease through the Advanced Orthogonal Technique, a highly precise and non-invasive form of upper cervical care. (Learn more about Advanced Orthogonal here.) This targeted approach focuses on correcting misalignments in the upper cervical spine, which are directly linked to the underlying causes of vertigo, tinnitus, and other debilitating symptoms.


Misalignments in the upper cervical spine can disrupt critical systems in the body, leading to issues such as:


  • Eustachian tube compression: Misalignments can block proper air pressure regulation in the ear, leading to hearing loss over time.
  • Tension on cranial nerves: The upper cervical spine impacts the nerves responsible for hearing and balance, which are easily irritated by misalignments.
  • Reduced blood flow to the brainstem: The vertebral arteries can become compressed, decreasing blood flow and contributing to balance problems and vertigo.
  • Inflammation of neck joints: Whiplash or neck injuries often inflame these joints, causing pain and worsening symptoms like dizziness and hearing issues.
  • Turbulent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF): Irregular CSF flow caused by upper cervical misalignments irritates the nerves responsible for balance and coordination.
  • Compromised immune function: Misalignments impair immune signals to the inner ear, leaving it vulnerable to infection.


Using the Advanced Orthogonal Technique, we carefully realign the upper cervical spine with gentle, non-invasive adjustments. Unlike traditional chiropractic care, this method involves no cracking, twisting, or popping of the neck. Instead, percussion sound wave technology delivers precise corrections tailored to your specific anatomy.


These corrections restore proper function to the Eustachian tubes, cranial nerves, brainstem, and inner ear. As these systems normalize, patients often experience relief from their Ménière’s disease symptoms and regain control of their lives. The reproducibility and consistency of these results are why upper cervical care is one of the most effective approaches to addressing Ménière’s disease at its root.


Real Stories: Hope for Ménière’s Disease


For many living with Ménière’s disease, the most frustrating part is not having a real answer or understanding the root cause of their symptoms. But when the root cause is identified and the treatment approach is precise and appropriate, there is hope that you can reclaim your life. At Cerebral Chiropractic, we’ve helped countless patients find lasting relief and get back to living the lives they deserve.


My vertigo symptoms are gone!

"Six weeks ago, I got very dizzy, and it started with a neck massage. When I got up, I couldn’t move my head—it felt like I was falling. A friend referred me to Dr. Chris Slininger at Cerebral Chiropractic, and I’m so glad they did. After persistent, sound wave adjustments and care, all of my dizziness is gone and staying gone!

On top of that, my posture has improved, and I feel steady on my feet again. I’m so thankful to have found the root cause and to finally be on my way to better health. If you’ve been struggling with vertigo like I was, I can’t recommend this care enough—it truly made a difference in my life."

– Debbie J.

See More Testimonials

Get Help Today


If you’ve been diagnosed with Ménière’s disease and are looking for a lasting solution, it’s time to explore upper cervical care. At Cerebral Chiropractic in St. Petersburg, our experienced doctors specialize in using the Advanced Orthogonal Technique to address the root causes of Ménière’s disease.


During your consultation, we’ll perform a comprehensive evaluation, including neurological assessments and advanced imaging, to determine if upper cervical care is right for you. If you’re a candidate, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan to help you find relief and reclaim your quality of life.


Contact us today at (727) 677-0001 or click the button below to schedule your consultation. Relief from Ménière’s disease is within reach—take the first step today.

Schedule an Appointment

References


  • Boneva D. Two Case Studies: Meniere’s Disease and Cervical Spine Trauma Post Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic Care. 15th Annual Upper Cervical Spine Conference, Life University, Marietta, GA, November 21-22, 1998.
  • Burcon MT. Upper Cervical Protocol for Ten Meniere’s Patients. 9th Annual Vertebral Subluxation Research Conference, Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic, Spartanburg, SC, October 13-14, 2001.
  • Burcon M. Upper Cervical Protocol to Reduce Vertebral Subluxation in Ten Subjects with Menieres: A Case Series. J Vertebral Subluxation Res, June 2, 2008:1-8.
  • Burcon M. Cervical Specific Protocol and Results for One Hundred and Thirty Nine Meniere’s Patients. 2008 International Research and Philosophy Symposium, Sponsored by Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic, Spartanburg, South Carolina, October 17-19, 2008.
  • Burcon MT. Upper Cervical Specific Protocol and Results for 139 Patients with Medically Diagnosed Meniere's Disease. J Vertebral Subluxation Res, November 14, 2010:1-10.
  • Burcon MT. Cervical Specific Protocol and Results for 300 Meniere’s Patients Over Three Years. 8th Annual International Research and Philosophy Symposium, Sherman College of Chiropractic Spartanburg, South Carolina, October 22-23, 2011.
  • Jones MA, Salminen BJ. Meniere’s Disease Symptomatology Resolution with Specific Upper Cervical Care. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res, March 29, 2012:31-9.
  • Pennington D, Miller JD. Successful Chiropractic Management of a Patient with Meniere’s Disease post Vestibular Nerve Section: A Case Report. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res, November 30, 2015:34-40.
  • Burcon MT. Health Outcomes Following Cervical Specific Protocol in 300 Patients with Meniere’s Followed Over Six Years. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res, June 2, 2016:13-23.
  • Chung J, O’Connell C. Resolution of Symptoms in a Patient Suffering from Meniere’s Disease Following Specific Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care: A Case Study & Review of Literature. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res, January 9, 2017:1-7.
  • Gartner M, Bossart W, Linder T. Herpes virus and Ménière's disease, ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec. 2008;70(1):28-31; discussion 31. doi: 10.1159/000111045. Epub 2008 Feb 1. 


Related Articles

A Brief History of POTS

By Dr. Ethan Surprenant, DC • September 23, 2025
From “Soldier’s Heart” to Modern Science Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) might sound like a modern diagnosis, but descriptions of similar symptoms go back more than a century. Doctors once called it “effort syndrome” or “soldier’s heart” when young recruits fainted or struggled with rapid heartbeats upon standing. It wasn’t until the 1990s that Dr. Phillip Low and Dr. Ron Schondorf at the Mayo Clinic formally introduced the term POTS to describe patients with orthostatic intolerance—those whose heart rate jumped dramatically when standing without the expected blood pressure drop (Schondorf & Low, 1993). This unifying definition helped shape research and treatment around a condition that had long been misunderstood. What Have We Learned About POTS Since Then? Over time, scientists discovered that POTS is not one single disease but a syndrome with multiple drivers. Four major insights stand out: Hypovolemia (low blood volume) : Many patients have reduced circulating volume, leading to fatigue and dizziness. Hyperadrenergic states: Some live in a constant “fight-or-flight” mode, with adrenaline surges driving symptoms. Deconditioning: Prolonged inactivity can weaken the heart muscle and reduce stroke volume. Exercise responsiveness: Graded, structured activity has been shown to reverse much of this imbalance. Together, these findings have shifted care away from “just anxiety” toward real, measurable physiological changes. Why This Matters for Patients Because POTS is heterogeneous , treatment must be personalized. Some patients improve with fluids, salt, and compression , while others need exercise retraining or strategies that calm the nervous system. At its core, progress often depends on empowerment : learning to pace, self-regulate, and gradually rebuild tolerance. That means long-term improvement is possible—even if the journey looks different for each patient. The Upper Cervical Connection At Cerebral Chiropractic, we also pay attention to the craniocervical junction (CCJ) —the area where the top of the spine meets the base of the skull. This region surrounds the brainstem , which regulates blood pressure, heart rate, and vagal tone. When there is even subtle misalignment , pressure or irritation at this level may disrupt autonomic balance. That can amplify the very same challenges POTS patients face—like poor blood flow regulation, excessive sympathetic drive, and reduced vagal calming. By restoring alignment, upper cervical care may help reduce brainstem stress, support healthier blood flow, and allow the body to better regulate itself. While not a standalone solution, it can be part of a comprehensive plan that includes hydration, exercise, and patient education. Related Reading  Raj SR. The postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS): pathophysiology, diagnosis & management. Indian Pacing Electrophysiol J. 2006 Apr 1;6(2):84-99. PMID: 16943900; PMCID: PMC1501099. Schondorf R, Low PA. Idiopathic postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome: an attenuated form of acute pandysautonomia? Neurology. 1993 Jan;43(1 Pt 1):132-7. doi: 10.1212/WNL.43.1_Part_1.132. PMID: 8423877. Fu Q, Levine BD. Exercise and non-pharmacological treatment of POTS. Auton Neurosci. 2018 Dec;215:20-7. doi: 10.1016/j.autneu.2018.07.001. Epub 2018 Jul 4. PMID: 30001836; PMCID: PMC6289756.

Your Baby's Brain on Rest

By Dr. Ethan Surprenant, DC • September 23, 2025
Why does sleep matter so much for your little one? Sleep does incredible work: it helps your baby’s body repair itself, process new skills, and maintain internal balance—a process called homeostasis. Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to keep internal functions like temperature, heart rate, and chemical balance stable, even when the environment changes. For newborns, this balance is essential for healthy brain and body development. How Much Sleep Does a Newborn Need? Newborns typically sleep 16–18 hours per day and cycle between two main sleep stages: REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement) – A lighter, active sleep stage where the brain processes motor skills and forms memories. NREM sleep (Non-REM) – A deeper, restorative stage that repairs cells and clears brain waste via the glymphatic system—a network of brain channels that flushes out toxins during sleep. Unlike adults—who spend about 20–25% of sleep in REM—newborns spend around 50% of their total sleep time in REM, and they start sleep in this stage, rather than NREM. How Long Are Infant Sleep Cycles? Infant sleep cycles (the alternation between REM and NREM) last approximately 47–50 minutes—much shorter than the 90-minute cycles typical in adults. Why Does This Matter for Brain Growth? REM sleep offers a kind of "motor skill rehearsal" for the nervous system, aiding memory integration. NREM sleep acts like a detox, facilitating tissue repair and neurological recovery. Studies indicate that early patterns of NREM (quiet sleep) correlate with later social-emotional skill development, while REM (active sleep) supports brain reorganization after learning new physical skills. Supporting Better Sleep at Home Here are simple, nurturing steps you can take to help your baby sleep soundly: Create a calming bedtime routine – Consistency (like a warm bath, gentle feeding, reading time, and soft lullaby) signals to your baby's body that it’s time to rest. Maintain a peaceful sleep environment – Keep the room comfortably cool, minimal light, and quiet to reduce disruption. A sound machine close to the door can help limit sound entering the room from the busier areas of the house. Encourage daytime movement – Activities like supervised tummy time, high-contrast books, and sunlight exposure can support better sleep later. Watch for early sleep cues – Yawning or turning away are signs your baby is ready to sleep; act before overtiredness sets in to make settling easier. If these strategies aren’t helping, it might indicate your child’s nervous system is struggling to self-regulate. In such cases, a local upper cervical or pediatric chiropractor may help gently improve the brain-body connection—supporting your child’s ability to achieve deeper, more restorative sleep. Key Takeaways Newborns sleep 16–18 hours a day and dedicate about half that time to REM sleep. Their sleep cycles are short—about 47–50 minutes—leading to frequent stage transitions. Quality REM and NREM sleep support memory, growth, and neural repair. At-home sleep routines can help—but if struggles persist, consider chiropractic support. Related Reading  On the development of sleep states in the first weeks of life. PLOS ONE . 2018. American Academy of Pediatrics. Sleep Disorders in Childhood. Pediatrics in Review . 2025;44(4):189–190. Iglowstein I, Jenni OG, Molinari L, Largo RH. Sleep Duration From Infancy to Adolescence: Reference Values and Generational Trends. Pediatrics . 2003;111(2):302–307. Boylan K, et al. The Architecture of Early Childhood Sleep Over the First Two Years: A Systematic Review. Maternal and Child Health Journal . 2022;26(10):1510–1521.

How Can Upper Cervical Care Help POTS Patients?

By Dr. Ethan Surprenant, DC • August 22, 2025
Brain Communication and POTS Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is one of the most misunderstood nervous system conditions today. It’s part of a larger group of disorders known as dysautonomia, where the autonomic nervous system (ANS) doesn’t function correctly. The ANS controls automatic body processes like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation. When it’s out of sync, the body feels chaotic—especially when changing positions like standing up. POTS symptoms often include: Fast heart rate when standing Dizziness or fainting Brain fog Fatigue Temperature regulation issues Shaky or anxious feelings Many patients are told it’s “just anxiety” or are bounced from doctor to doctor without answers. But the issue is real—and it’s often rooted in how the brain and body communicate. The Three Subtypes of POTS There are three common subtypes of POTS, each with its own pattern: Hyperadrenergic POTS- This type involves too much adrenaline. When standing, people may feel like they’re in constant fight-or-flight mode: fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, sweating, and panic-like symptoms. Neuropathic POTS- This subtype results from poor nerve function, especially in the legs. The small nerves that control blood vessels don’t squeeze properly, so blood pools in the lower body. That means less blood gets to the brain—causing dizziness, blurry vision, or blue hands and feet. Hypovolemic POTS- Here, the total blood volume is too low. That could be due to problems with fluid retention, salt balance, or kidney function. People may feel lightheaded, weak, and intolerant to heat or exercise. Many patients actually have a mix of these subtypes, which is why personalized care is so important. Where Upper Cervical Care Comes In  At the very top of your spine is the craniocervical junction (CCJ)—the area where the skull meets the top two bones in your neck (the atlas and axis). This region surrounds the brainstem, which acts as the body’s autopilot control center. It helps regulate: Blood pressure Heart rate Breathing rhythm Vagal tone (rest-and-digest) Adrenal and kidney signaling Blood vessel control When the CCJ is misaligned—even by a few millimeters—it can distort neurologic input and blood flow to the brainstem. Think of it like a blown fuse at the breaker box: the system isn’t completely shut down, but nothing is working quite right. Upper cervical care gently corrects these misalignments, allowing the nervous system to regulate more effectively. Many POTS patients experience reduced symptoms like fewer dizzy spells, steadier heart rate, and improved mental clarity after care begins. Subtype Support: A Functional Comparison Here’s how upper cervical care may help across all three POTS subtypes:
Show More

Our Doctors

Experts in Spinal and Neurological Care

Dr. Chris Slininger, DC, DCCJP

Craniocervical Specialist

Dr. Slininger focuses heavily on complex neurological conditions and advanced spinal challenges such as headaches, migraines, dizziness, vertigo, concussion, mTBI and more.

See Full Bio

Dr. Ethan Surprenant, DC

Upper Cervical Chiropractor

Dr. Surprenant specializes in innovative, non-invasive Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care, uniquely addressing complex neurological conditions like dysautonomia, migraines, headaches, cranio-cervical syndrome, to restore lasting neurological health.

See Full Bio